Kiwi Formula driver Liam Lawson's dad is "immensely proud", saying his son "always had to fight" to prove he belongs at the highest echelon of motorsports.
Lawson signed a new deal with Racing Bulls for next season, announced by the team this morning after weeks of speculation about his F1 future.
It comes towards the end of a strong season for Lawson – leading the pack outside the top four teams, sitting ninth in the drivers' standings and finishing most races in the top 10.
Lawson's dad, Jared, told 1News it was a "relief" his son had finally secured a seat for 2027.
"I kind of had an inkling that it was coming, but you never know," he said. "He's done and performed so well, it's almost like, how could he not?"
Getting to F1 was a long, 17-year journey for the Lawson family, who made immense sacrifices to help their son chase his dream, even selling their family home to fund his career.
Lawson and teammate Arvid Lindblad, who has also re-signed for 2027, were among the last drivers to have a spot on next year's grid confirmed. Racing Bulls had been weighing up its options for next season, with Bulgarian Nikola Tsolov in the mix for one of the seats.
Lawson's performances have improved massively from last year, with Jared saying his son had been training twice as hard.
He said that being from New Zealand, his son "always had to fight like that".
"I don't think anything's ever been handed to him," he said. "For him it's all about remaining on the grid and becoming F1 world champion. That's his goal."
Jared was "so immensely proud".
"Despite all the pressure, all the noise going around, he has performed. He's extracted, I think, pretty much the most out of that car."
Lawson's mum, Kristy, had a long conversation with her son.
"Obviously he's happy and probably a little bit relieved as well that it's done," Jared said.
He said it was "pretty incredible" that people across New Zealand had been talking about his son.
"I've been overhearing conversations in public, which is, for us, like, 'wow', everyone's talking about it."
Jared said seeing supportive social media posts from New Zealand, "just brings it home how many people are watching and behind him, and just proud that we've got someone racing there".
See more of Michelle Banks' interview with Jared Lawson on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+ from 6pm
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds including a sexpionage scandal claiming a tech CEO and the collapse NYC building. (Source: 1News)
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